The climate of Rio de Janeiro
The climate of
Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil, is defined by the Köppen climate classification as Tropical wet and dry or savanna (Aw). Positioned geographically around a tropical zone, this scenic city is well-known for its unfailing tropical weather, with warm to hot temperatures throughout the year and distinct wet and dry seasons.
Temperature variations throughout the year are relatively minimal, with the monthly average highs ranging from a cooler 24°C (75.2°F) in
July to a more heated 29.7°C (85.5°F) in
February. On the other hand, the average low-temperature range is between 18.5°C (65.3°F) in
August and 23.7°C (74.7°F) in
January, meaning the nights never really get cold in Rio de Janeiro. Humidity stays fairly constant throughout the year, hovering around 78% to 82%, contributing to the warm and often muggy feel of the city.
Rainfall in Rio de Janeiro varies significantly throughout the year. The dry season, from
May to August, sees far less rainfall than the rest of the year, with the average monthly rain as low as 29mm (1.14") in
June. Contrastingly, during the wet season, mainly between
November and
March, monthly averages can reach a peak of 119mm (4.69") in November.
One noteworthy aspect of the climate in Rio is the amount of daylight it receives. Daylight hours range from a minimum of 10.7 hours per day in June to a maximum of 13.5 hours in
December, indicating longer days in the summer and shorter ones in the winter.
The best time to visit Rio de Janeiro
For those seeking mostly clear skies and less rainfall, the best time to visit
Rio de Janeiro is during the dry season, which lasts from
May to
August. During this time, rainfall levels drop considerably, and temperatures range between a pleasant 18.7°C (65.7°F) and 26.8°C (80.2°F). Moreover, the sea temperature during this period goes down to an average low of 22.1°C (71.8°F) in
July, ideal for beachgoers who prefer slightly cooler swimming conditions.
The worst time to visit Rio de Janeiro
The less favorable time to visit the city would be during the wet season, specifically in
November, when average rainfall increases dramatically, peaking at 119mm (4.69"). Even though temperatures remain warm ranging from 21.5°C (70.7°F) to 26.4°C (79.5°F), heavy rainfall might disrupt outdoor activities. Furthermore, the sea temperature during November is at an average of 23.2°C (73.8°F), which might be slightly chilly for some swimmers.
Spring weather in Rio de Janeiro
Spring in
Rio de Janeiro, from
September to
November, is marked by a gradual increase in temperature and rainfall. The temperature rises from a monthly average of 25°C (77°F) in September to 26.4°C (79.5°F) in November. Despite the increase in rainfall, this time of year is usually pleasantly warm with average lows between 19.4°C (66.9°F) to 21.5°C (70.7°F).
Summer weather in Rio de Janeiro
Summer, from
December to
February, in
Rio de Janeiro is the warmest period of the year with average high temperatures peaking at 29.7°C (85.5°F) in February. It also brings the highest rainfall of the year, particularly in
January with 102mm (4.02") recorded. Despite this, longer daylight hours with 13.5 hours in December provide enough time for visitors to enjoy the city.
Autumn weather in Rio de Janeiro
The weather in Autumn, from
March to
May, witnesses a steady decline in temperature and a significant reduction in rainfall. Although March still experiences a substantial 85mm (3.35") of rainfall, by May, this falls to only 51mm (2.01"). With average high temperatures dropping from 28.3°C (82.9°F) in March to 25.2°C (77.4°F) in May, this season heralds the start of the dry season.
Winter weather in Rio de Janeiro
During the Winter months of
June to
August,
Rio de Janeiro has the most temperate climate. Despite being winter, average highs still reach 24°C (75.2°F), with the lowest temperature averaging 18.5°C (65.3°F) in August. Furthermore, rainfall is at its annual lowest, with a dip to 29mm (1.14") in June, and daylight hours are the shortest. Yet, with a minimum of 10.7 hours in June, outdoor activities are hardly hindered. Winter also observes the coolest sea temperature, with an average low of 22.1°C (71.8°F) in
July.
Weather in January
Kicking off the year,
January in
Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil is characterized by a tropically warm climate with high relative humidity. An impressive 102mm (4.02") of rainfall is usually recorded, making it a noticeably soggy month.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Following
January,
February exhibits slight changes in the South-American city's weather conditions. Although still high, the rainfall decreases to 96mm (3.78") while the sunshine hours register a slight increase compared to the previous month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March introduces fall in
Rio de Janeiro, chaperoning milder weather compared to the scorching summer months. It's the month that sees the highest relative humidity of 81%, accompanying lower, yet still warm temperature peaks at 28.3°C (82.9°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As
Rio de Janeiro proceeds further into autumn,
April further observes a drop in the city's temperatures. The decrease in rainfall to 52mm (2.05") and a corresponding reduction in the number of rainy days paves the way for more favorable trekking conditions.
Weather in April »Weather in May
In
Rio de Janeiro,
May is characterized as a transitional period to the year's cooler phase. The month witnesses a further plunge in rainfall to 51mm (2.01"), marking a consistent drying trend from the rainy summer months. Despite the reduction, the temperatures, both on land at 25.2°C (77.4°F) and at sea, still maintain their warmth.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the commencement of winter in Rio, but one might barely notice it, courtesy of the modest decrease in temperature, which still hovers at a balmy 24.2°C (75.6°F). Subtle adjustments in the city's climate parameters point towards chillier days ahead, but this drop is not drastic.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Rio de Janeiro signifies the heart of winter but also brings about the driest month of the year with only 31mm (1.22") of rain. Outdoor activities become more advisable, with fewer chances of any weather disruptions. Amidst fair weather, temperatures reach up to 24°C (75.2°F), keeping the ambiance comfortably warm in the daytime.
Weather in July » Weather in August
A modest upswing in the temperature welcomes
August in Rio, as the city steps further out of winter. It's an interval between the dry season and the upcoming rainy period, bringing about adequate conditions for outdoor entertainment.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September signifies the arrival of spring in
Rio de Janeiro, holding promises of new beginnings and renewed vitality. Witnessing an increase in rainfall to 47mm (1.85"), an indicator that the dry season has ended, still doesn't interfere with outdoor plans significantly.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October continues the upward trajectory in Rio's temperature scale, reinstating the city's characteristic tropical weather. With an increase in rainfall to 67mm (2.64") and longer daylight hours, it truly feels like spring has taken over.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November welcomes the pre-summer weather in Rio with temperatures elevating to 26.4°C (79.5°F), setting the stage for the city's vibrant summer life. Carrying a rainfall volume of 119mm (4.69"), it observes the year's second-highest rainfall, hinting at the approaching wet season.
Weather in November » Weather in December
To conclude the year,
December brings about summer in full swing in
Rio de Janeiro. An impressive peak in rainfall to 98mm (3.86") signifies the commencement of the wet season. Regardless of the showers, temperatures pace up to 28.2°C (82.8°F), radiating the summer warmth that people yearn for in a tropical city.
Weather in December » [Resources]